The game is relatively modern – being invented in the early 20th century by an old Provence man who had excelled at Marseillaise boules, a game which involved throwing large, heavy, studded boules. As he grew older, he developed arthrits and this, combined with the loss of some of his strength, meant that he found it difficult to throw the large bouls such distances. He invented the game of ‘petanque’ to ensure he could continue to play. “Petanque” comes from Provence dialect for “pied tanque”, or ‘feet tied together’, referring to the fact that (unlike earlier forms of boules) the boule is thrown from a staionary, standing, position.

The game has now eclpised the earlier forms in terms of popularity and accessibllity. It is played in many countries across the world, with major champioships being held throughout the year. It truly is a sport for all – becuse it relies more on accuracy and an ability to ‘read’ the piste (the area on which the game is played) than strength – older players can play against children, people with mobility problems can compete against the able bodied, and men can compete equally against women. Personally, I have played against (and been beaten by!) a man who uses a wheelchair, and a 91 year old man! Few sports offer such a good opportunity for a wide range of people to play equally against one another. It is also a great family game: at the recent Home Nations, one Welsh team consisted of a father, his daughter and son-in law, whilst their son played for the Welsh Juniors.

Boules at the Wheatsheaf
The game was introduced by Henry Powell, who was landlord of the pub. With charcteristic enthusiasm he set about establishing it as the key summer pastime of the regulars. He was also instrumental in encouraging other pubs in the area to take up the game and there are now more than 15 pubs playing in the Boules in Gwent (BiG) league.

Henry’s wife (our esteemed landlady) Marge continues to encourage and support boules, and the Club has done very well in recent years. We have 3 teams in BiG 1st division, and the A team have won the BiG League and Cup for the last 2 years; the Wheatsheaf team has won the 2nd division of the Welsh league; and 3 club members have represented Wales at the Home Nations Championship.